Anderson researching support for private members bill to legalise medicinal use of cannabis

There appears to have been a significant step in the quest by family in Tamworth to see cannabis decriminalised for the terminally ill.

Dan Haslam was diagnosed with bowel cancer a couple of year ago and during the course of his treatment he has found that cannabis provides some relief to his nausea and pain.

The family has started a petition and is calling on the state government to adopt the recommendations from an Upper House Inquiry on changing the law around medical cannabis.

We've heard from the family, Daniel and community leaders on the issue and this week Greens MLC John Kaye launched a bill in parliament on medicinal cannabis.

Last night Tamworth Nationals MP Kevin Anderson met with the Premier Mike Baird to see whether he would support a coalition politician preparing legislation on the issue.

He says he will now canvass his parliamentary colleagues with a view to introducing a private members bill legalising the medicinal use of cannabis for the terminally ill.

"There are many trials being undertaken in many parts of the world, but also in Tasmania," he says.

"They're quite advanced in their clinical trials of medicinal marijuana."

Mr Anderson says he spoke to the Premier about the Haslam family and his own concerns about marijuana use.

"Everybody is very sympathetic and keen to provide comfort and care to those that are dying, and certainly your heart goes out to families in that position," he says.

When it comes to legislating something like this, however the Tamworth MP says there must be strong regulation in place.

"The Premier was quite clear," he says.

"We cannot sanction the supply from an illegal operator for medicinal purposes."

So the road forward is not clear, but Mr Anderson says he and his National party colleagues will be researching if there is a way forward.

He says he would prefer the drug dispensed through hospitals and palliative care staff than be available in pharmacies, but much research will be done before he attempts to introduce a private members bill.